Berneice Cox

President and CEO, United Way of the Big Bend

For Berneice Cox, the heart of the community lives strong within her. She stepped down from her role as CEO of a private sector consulting firm to lead the United Way of the Big Bend through COVID-19. She also hosts and produces the NBC television show Our Issues Tallahassee.

Cox is a graduate of Tusculum University and former adjunct professor at Florida State University. She worked for more than 20 years advocating for her clients in front of the Florida governor, Cabinet, House of Representatives, and Senate, as well as on the national level with the U.S. Florida Senate and Congressional Delegation.

Volunteer work has also been a mainstay for Cox throughout her career. She’s served as the past chair of the board of directors for the United Way of the Big Bend, including Leon County and eight surrounding counties, board member for the United Way of Florida Board of Governors, Tusculum University Alumni Executive Board, past chair of Women4FSU, board member with the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce, and much more. 

What motivates you?

Respect given and received. When people feel respected and appreciated, they will move mountains.

Who has served as an inspiration for you in your career journey, and how did they impact your path?

My mother was an inspiration to me. She was strong while having grace, genuine and caring while having a lot of grit. My mother-in-law was also a woman ahead of her time.

What are you passionate about outside of the workplace?

I love reading, biking, or walking on the many beautiful trails we have in Tallahassee and Leon County.

What advice do you wish you’d been given before entering your industry?

Be prepared to regularly eat dinner at 10 p.m.

What advice do you have for young women pursuing their careers?

Don’t gossip, and stay away from people who do. Walk away as fast as you can when you’re around someone or a group that engages in gossip, which inevitably leads to misinformation and small ideas. Surround yourself with people who talk about big ideas, improving themselves or their community. Lean in on the positive, and surround yourself with positive-thinking people.

Videography by Boo Media.